Windy Ridge to Narcissus

3 h to 4 h

10 km
oneway segment

↑ 77 m
↓ -214 m

Moderate track
Starting from Windy Ridge this walk gently descents through the open eucalypt forest and buttongrass plains, following the Narcissus River valley. After about 5km you pass the signposted intersection with the Pine Valley Track. The walk continues along the valley floor crossing the only swing bridge on the main spine of the Overland Track before coming to Narcissus Hut and camping area. Narcissus Hut is a short walk from the northern tip of Lake St Clair and the ferry jetty. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
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Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Downloads GPX PDF
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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Segment This is part of longer journey and can not be completed on it is own.
Full Journey The Overland Track
Start (-41.9320868,146.0890632)
Finish (-42.0125286,146.1017409)
Mode (end)
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After 20 m come to the "Bert Nichols Hut" (20 m on your left).
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Optional Sidetrip to Pine Valley. This is best done as an overnight side trip giving you time to also explore the Labyrinth or the Acropolis. The walk of the valley through a lovely and mossy high rainforest, a different vibe from the rest of the Overland Track. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 5.6 km continue straight.
After another 3.2 km cross the bridge (about 20 m long)
After another 1.2 km continue straight.
After another 10 m come to the "Narcissus Ranger Hut" (15 m on your right).
After another 1 m turn right.
After another 6 m come to the end.
About 45 m past the end is "Narcissus Hut campsite".
W:www.parks.tas.gov.au
"Narcissus Hut".

Optional Sidetrip to Pine Valley. This is best done as an overnight side trip giving you time to also explore the Labyrinth or the Acropolis. The walk of the valley through a lovely and mossy high rainforest, a different vibe from the rest of the Overland Track.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 2.4 km cross the bridge (about 35 m long)
After another 2.4 km pass the "Pine Valley Hut Toilets" (40 m on your left).
About 10 m past the end is "Pine Valley Hut".
About 70 m past the end is "Labyrinth Registration Booth".
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 4.8 km to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Windy Ridge to Narcissus


Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length 10 km
Time 3 h to 4 h
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route
Camp site: There is one 10 km from the start.

Hut: There are 4 on route, on average they are 3.9 km apart with the largest gap of 10.4 km.

Toilet: There is one 5.6 km (plus an extra 4.8 km along side route) from the start.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Hut
20 mBert Nichols Hut
Toilet
5.6 km + 4.8 kmPine Valley Hut Toilets
Hut
5.6 km + 4.8 kmPine Valley Hut
Hut
10 kmNarcissus Ranger Hut
Camp site
10 kmNarcissus Hut campsite
Hut
10 kmNarcissus Hut
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Articles
Discover more details to thrive on track
Windy Ridge to Narcissus
A short and and gentle stroll down the glacially carved valley to Lake St Clair.
Bert Nichols Hut (Windy Ridge Hut)
The largest hut on the Overland track with lovely views across the valley and of the Du Cane Range
Pine Valley Hut
Not on the main spine of the Overland Track, but a lovely side trip up through a mossy rainforest.
Narcissus Hut
On the bank of Narcissus River and not far from the northern tip of Lake St Clair.
Transport
Options for transport at the start and end of the walk
Lake St Clair Lodge
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Reviews & Feedback
Share your experience
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Weather & Alerts
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Alerts and Closures
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